Post on 21-Jan-2015
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Apr 10, 2023
Franklin & Bellingam Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC)
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OverviewThe CommitteeThe TrailOur
AccomplishmentsOur PlansHow You Can Help
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The Trail – Franklin Through Bellingham
3 mile segmentStarting at Grove
Street in Franklin Extending past
Spring Street to Prospect Street at town line
Through Bellingham into Blackstone Franklin
Bellingham
Blackstone
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The Committee Foundation
Changed name to incorporate regional focus
Revised Mission Statement
Created and approved Bylaws to give the group definition
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The Committee – Our Mission
The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path.
Working in partnership with federal, state and local governments, members of the FBRTC are committed to exploring all private, state and federal funding avenues to implement all necessary design plans.
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The Committee – Our Structure
Simple committee structureMonthly meetings open to the public
Second Tuesday, 7:30pm, Franklin YSpecial working groups/sub-committees:
Membership Grant writing Public relations
Key community, local government, and state agency representation
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The Trail – Welcomes the Public Today
Walkers, Hikers, horseback riders, bikers
Accessible to non-motorized vehicles
Free parking at Grove Street and Lake Street
Over one mile of flat, graded soft dirt and stones
Connections to Franklin State Forest trails
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The Southern New England Trunkline Trail
Also known as the Titanic Rail TrailSupported by the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers, a
non-profit 501(c)(3) chartered in 1992 to collaborate with local trail groups to establish a non-motorized 60-80 mile East-West trail linking the Blackstone Valley with the Pioneer Valley.
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The Committee – Supporters, Grants, Fund Raising
Towns of Franklin and Bellingham Open Spaces Committees, Grove Street parking
lotFranklin Hockomock Y
Meeting facilities and logistical assistanceMass Department of Conservation &
Recreation Trail improvement, maintenance, and signage
Annual Road Race 50 participants in first year Local business sponsorship
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Accomplishments
Phase I-a: Grove Street to Spring Street Clearing, tree removal, grading, finishing and packing of the
trail Grove Street barriers and gates at Spring Street and Lake
StreetGrove Street Access and Parking
Paved lot with 10 parking spaces (built by Town of Franklin) Informational kiosk and bench (built by local Eagle Scout); Informational trail signage installed by MA DCR. Parking area and signage at Lake St (Town of Bellingham)
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Necessary Trail Improvements
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Our Plans – Franklin Segment
Phase I.b: Grove Street to Spring Street Drainage, rail fencing, bollards or gates along with
signage, historical placards and traffic control Phase II: Spring St. to the Bellingham Town Line
Clearing, tree removal, grading, finishing and packing of the trail
Install tunnel under Prospect Street (20 x 12 ft. box culvert with sheeting and headwalls, including temporary street closure)
Drainage, rail fencing, asphalt road repairs, gates and seating areas, with added signage, historical placards and traffic control
Phase III: Trail Surfacing Including asphalt paving of the Franklin section of trail
On-going Coordination of Trail Maintenance
Apr 10, 2023
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Our Plans – Bellingham Segment
Phase I: Franklin Town Line to Blackstone Town Line Clearing, tree removal, grading, finishing and packing of
the trail Drainage, rail fencing, gates along with signage, historical
placards and maintenance of traffic Earthen ramp for Prospect St crossing
Phase II: Trail Surfacing Including compacted stone dust or paving of the Franklin
and Bellingham section of trail On-going Coordination of Trail Maintenance
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The Future
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Become a Member
Join us to help us achieve our goalsServe on working groups / sub-committeesParticipate and vote at meetings$25 membership
Stay connected through newsletters/minutes Get 10% off on parts and accessories at Crossing
Cycle in Franklin
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Ways to Help
Engineering assistance/Planning for Prospect Street Ramp
Signage around town
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Become a Donor or Sponsor
Support our efforts and special eventsYour contributions will help us purchase:
Committee basic supplies Brochures and promotional materials Supplies for fund-raising events
Get acknowledgement or promote your business On our website and in our promotional materials Event T-shirts, brochures, and media
advertisements
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Become a Volunteer or Advocate
Sign up to help us with committee activities and special events
Help with trail improvements Participate in special eventsPromote use of the trail with your group and
friendsPetition your elected officials for support
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The Rails to Trails Movement
Nation-wide efforts to turn abandoned railways into recreational trails
Benefits include access to safe recreational pathways for all abilities
Successful local examples include Cape Cod Rail Trails (over 22 miles) and Blackstone River Valley (over 11 miles)